The Forum Live, BN's own online 'chat show' was created by Mark Walsh during the early days of lockdown, in March 2020. Conscious that our live, in-person events were likely to be jeopardised by the pandemic, we sought ways to keep our members engaged with British Naturism and delivered a host of online activities, including a range of fitness classes and conversation-based gatherings.
It was an instant hit, leading to an increase in members, including a large number of overseas Naturists who sought something to do in those unusual days when going out was almost banned, globally.
The Forum Live was immediately popular, in terms of the audience numbers and among the varied pool of guests who agreed to be part of it. Over the years we've talked to artists, writers, photographers, documentary makers, journalists, academics, magazine editors, researchers, musicians, and actors from outside the Naturist world who had a nude-related story to tell. We've learned much about holidays from owners and managers of Naturist resorts and discovered about the work and challenges of people from overseas Naturist federations, including the INF. We've hosted sessions in which various organisations including the National Trust, British Heart Foundation and Dynamic Dunescapes have brought us up to date with their activities. We've regularly turned the spotlight on BN and chatted to individuals and teams about campaigns, special events, announcements and launches of new initiatives. Once a month, Mark Bass has hosted a debate session, allowing guests to interact more and to share their views on hot topics of the day. Each summer - when live events were able to take place again - we have 'broadcast' live from Nudefest and on one occasion, the Forum Live saw host and guests actually live from Gran Canaria.
It was with a slightly heavy heart therefore on Monday this week that I announced the end of the Forum Live. Now that life is back to normal, audience numbers have dwindled and after almost five years, I'm ready to take a break too. It's been great fun and also a great way to communicate with our membership as well as provide a way for outsiders to engage with us.
We don't rule out one off sessions or debates when the need arises, so keep an eye on this website and in the weekly ezine (subscribe here, if you don't already) for announcements.
Thanks to all the fantastic guests who gave up an hour on a Monday night to talk to us and particularly to everyone who was part of the audience and who made the whole thing work so well.